Astronomical event: Perseid Meteor shower

The Perseid meteor shower will reach its maximum rate of activity on 13 August 2018. Some shooting stars associated with the shower are expected to be visible each night from 23 July to 20 August.

Annual meteor showers arise when the Earth passes through streams of debris left behind by comets and asteroids. As pebble-sized pieces of debris collide with the Earth, they burn up at an altitude of around 70 to 100 km, appearing as shooting stars.

By determining the speed and direction at which the meteors impact the Earth, it is possible to work out the path of the stream through the Solar System and identify the body responsible for creating it. The parent body responsible for creating the Perseid shower is 109P/Swift–Tuttle.

Observing prospects

The maximum rate of meteors expected to be visible is around 80 per hour (ZHR). However, this assumes a perfectly dark sky and that the radiant of the meteor shower is directly overhead.

The Moon will be 2 days old at the time of peak activity, presenting minimal interference.

Copyright Allen Valleys Enterprise Limited 2017

The North Pennines Observatory is owned and operated by Allen Valleys Enterprise Limited, a volunteer-run Community Benefit Society